FOLEY, Minn. — Harvest 2018 is currently underway, corn silage harvest is complete for many growers and soybean harvest starts for many in the next week. This of course means farm planning for 2019 is just around the corner. I know for some manure applications on harvested fields have already taken place. These manure applications are important in making nutrient management plans and crop budgets for 2019’s farm plans. For many, margins may be tight again for next year. Planning appropriately may save time and money by avoiding applications of nutrients in excess of what is needed.
As fall manure applications get underway, testing of manure for the nutrient analysis will help with meeting the crop needs and prevention of over application. While for many manure sampling and application takes place at the same time, if possible, these samples should be taken prior to manure application. Nutrient application rates from the manure can then be matched with the crop planned for next season. Manure applications done this way may help improve margins through improved efficiency and less reliance on other nutrient sources. If you are unsure of proper manure sampling techniques, the UMN Extension website has a section dedicated to manure applications that can help you with proper protocols.
For crop nutrient recommendations, again the UMN Extension website is a great resource. The website contains recommendations backed by years of research and information relating to manure applications and crop needs. There are also members of the Extension staff that specialize in the various aspects of manure management. Please feel free to call your local County Extension Office if you would like more information or assistance in getting more information on manure management. Other sources of information may include your local County Soil and Water Conservation District, independent crop consultants, and coop agronomists.
Timing of manure application can be just as important as proper application rates. Once again there are resources on the UMN Extension website to help with decisions in timing that application correctly. As we move into the fall months, ideally manure applications should happen on medium to fine textured soils after soil temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit but before soil is completely frozen. For coarse textured soils the potential loss of nutrients is greater and therefore not recommended. Manure applications made at an improper time may necessitate the need for supplemental fertilizer increasing the cost of production.
Another source of information on manure application timing is the runoff tool developed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and National Weather Service. Recently, Melissa Wilson, Soil Scientist and Fabian Fernandez, Nutrient Management Specialist released an article in the Minnesota Crop News for this specific tool. This tool takes into consideration rain forecast, soil moisture and temperature, among other environmental variables to predict the potential runoff risk for applications made in one to three days. When the model shows a medium to severe risk for a field, evaluate the situation to determine if there is a better location or date that you can apply manure.
Finally, for crop plans and farm budgets remember to include the cost of hauling and applying manure. For those looking to get a jump on crop budgets in 2019; Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota all have average values from past years that can be used for costs associated with manure application. As application costs change from year to year, past numbers given by the Custom Rate Surveys should only be a starting point. Farmers may also benefit from keeping values for costs on their own operations for future use. For nutrient values, consider the cost of replacing the nutrients in your manure with other sources of fertilizer to determine the value of your manure. Maximizing the efficiency in which manure is handled, applied, and nutrients utilized may be key in increasing margins next season.
— Nathan Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension
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